Calgary Invites Public Feedback on Green Line LRT Downtown Segment Design
As construction progresses on the southeast portion of the multibillion-dollar Green Line LRT project, the City of Calgary is now turning its attention to the more complex downtown alignment and actively seeking community input. The city has launched a public engagement process that will help shape the functional plan for this critical transit component, with feedback being accepted until March 3.
Elevated Track Concept Under Review
The proposed downtown segment would feature an elevated track running above 10th Avenue S., turning right at 2nd Street S.W., and terminating above 7th Avenue. This elevated concept represents a significant departure from earlier plans that envisioned underground tunneling through the downtown core. The current design is based on revised alignment recommendations from infrastructure consultant AECOM, which was commissioned by the provincial government in late 2024.
The functional planning process will validate cost estimates, evaluate potential impacts on existing infrastructure, and ensure broad community support before construction begins. According to city officials, this engagement initiative focuses specifically on listening to the people who will ultimately use the transit system in their daily lives.
Comprehensive Impact Assessment Planned
The feasibility assessment for the downtown alignment will examine multiple factors that could affect both the built environment and daily life in Calgary's core. These include:
- Noise and vibration impacts on surrounding areas
- Stormwater management considerations
- Property impacts and urban interface beneath guideways
- Traffic flow modifications and safety enhancements
- Constructability analysis and risk assessment
- Potential integration with Calgary's Plus-15 pedestrian network
"For many, the Green Line LRT will be part of daily life — a link to work, school, services, entertainment, and each other," stated a city news release. "That's why this engagement is focused on listening to the people who will use it. Over the coming weeks, Calgarians are invited to explore the elevated concept and share what matters most to them as the design evolves."
Public Participation Opportunities
Calgarians have multiple avenues to participate in the consultation process:
- An online survey available through the city's engagement portal
- Virtual information sessions scheduled for February 10 and 28
- In-person drop-in sessions at Memorial Park Library from February 18 to 22
Detailed information about all engagement opportunities is available through the city's dedicated Green Line downtown consultation website.
Provincial Influence on Design Direction
The shift from underground to elevated design represents a significant policy change influenced by provincial funding decisions. The Alberta government withdrew its financial contribution in fall 2024 due to concerns about engineering risks and potential cost escalation associated with tunneling. This decision followed Calgary city council's approval of a shortened alignment and increased budget in July 2024.
Provincial officials argued that the reduced scope didn't provide the same business case as the original alignment. The United Conservative Party government only restored funding after Calgary's city council voted in January 2025 to advance the province's vision for an elevated line, with some council members expressing reluctance about the change.
According to provincial estimates, avoiding underground tunneling through downtown will cut approximately $1 billion from the project budget. These savings will allow the first phase of the Green Line to extend five stations farther south than previously planned.
The functional plan for the downtown segment is scheduled to come before Calgary city council for consideration by the end of this year, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing development of this transformative transit infrastructure project.
